Re: 2008 3.0 mercruiser winterizing
ok...from the info i have gathered from various places...let me know if i am doing this wrong!,,,i wont be offended
1.run engine at idle until warm on muffs
2.change oil and filter
3.change fuel filter/water seperator
4.retsart engine, on muffs, at idle, check for leaks
5.take air filter off and spray fogger into carb until it wants to stall,
6.turn engine off
7.pull plugs off of the 2 blue hoses and drain water out of block (are there any other plugs to pull out besides these 2??)
8.take off water hose at front on both sides of t stat
9.pour in antifreeze until you see it run out of blue hoses
10. then do winterizing for the stern drive.
if im off on this feel free to let me know! thanx.
If you have the two blue hoses, then you have the single point draining system...and there are no 'plugs' to remove. Just disconnect the two hoses where they rest at the T-handle, and make sure that they are placed lower than the engine block. Watch for a decent amount of water to drain...to insure that there isn't any obstructions at the hose connections at the engine block.
As for disconnecting the hoses at the thermostat housing, Mercruiser does not recommend that. They say the following:
"For additional assurance against freezing and rust, remove the thermostat cover and thermostat. Fill the engine seawater cooling system with a mixture of antifreeze and tap water mixed to manufacturer?s recommendation to protect engine to the lowest temperature to which it will be exposed during cold weather or extended storage. Using a new gasket, reinstall thermostat and cover. Tighten cover bolts to 30 lb-ft (41 Nm)."
Mercruiser also says the following:
"8. Prepare fuel system for extended storage as follows:
a. Close the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped. If no fuel shut off valve is present, a suitable method must be employed to STOP the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the engine before proceeding.
b. Remove flame arrestor assembly and start engine.
c. While operating engine at fast idle (1000-1500 rpm), fog internal surfaces of induction system and combustion chambers by squirting approximately 8 ounces (227 grams) of Quicksilver Storage Seal or SAE 20W engine oil into carburetor bores.
d. Squirt the remaining 2 ounces (57 g) of Storage Seal (or oil) rapidly into carburetor, just as the engine begins to stall, due to lack of fuel. Allow engine to stop.
e. Turn ignition key to OFF position."
The key here is to drain as much fuel out of the carb as is possible. In my neck of the woods, running Marine Sta-Bil in my fuel takes care of any gumming of the fuel system.
Happy boating!
